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STARLINK-3946 (52693)
COSPAR: 2022-053AP | Alt Name: Starlink 3946
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52693
International Designator
2022-053AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:54:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
272.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.09°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3946
Alternative Name
Starlink 3946
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52693U 22053AP 26200.45468876 .00000828 00000+0 70119-4 0 9994
2 52693 53.1613 272.3201 0001074 89.0896 271.0218 15.08835266231040
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3946, also known as Starlink 3946, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 18, 2022, from Launch Pad LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 275 kilograms, while its launch mass was 297 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion. The satellite's mission is to provide communication services.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
275
Launch Mass
297
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-18-38
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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